“Becoming Charlemagne” by Jeff Sypeck [BOOK REVIEW]

It’s virtually a meta-book on Charlemagne! “Becoming Charlemagne” by Jeff Sypeck was an unexpected find in a bookstore in Nashville, Tennessee that totally transformed my understanding of the “Father of Europe.”

Compared to “The Two Lives of Charlemagne” or Fried’s “Charlemagne,” Jeff Sypeck’s treatment of King Charlemagne was a different type of lucid and relatable. Not saying better, just different. His writing, above all else, brought this beloved and mysterious historical figure to life in ways that other accounts I’ve read did not.

STAR RATINGS:

“BECOMING CHARLEMAGNE” BOOK STATS:

• Published 2006
• 267 total pages
• 206 pages of text
• 10 chapters
• 1 short Notes section
• 1 Bibliography section
• No Index section
• Hardcover available

“BECOMING CHARLEMAGNE” BOOK REVIEW:

“Becoming Charlemagne: Europe, Baghdad, and the Empires of A.D. 800” by Jeff Sypeck is a small 200-page book on the rise, accomplishments, and legacy of one of history’s most important rulers: Charles The Great, aka Charlemagne. His preeminence in European history cannot be understated or denied, he is the “Father of Europe.”

The thing about this book that miffed me, though, was that it does not directly focus its narrative on Charlemagne EXCLUSIVELY. I call it a “meta-book” because it spends its chapters describing peripheral issues surrounding the great man, providing historical context to him while barely mentioning him at all.

Hmmm. Why is that? Well, the best I can think of is that while other works on Charlemagne tell his direct story, they may lack in elucidating the reasons behind his success. For example, any historian knows that Charlemagne founded Aachen as his seat of power; however, what was the detailed story behind that decision?

Well, “Becoming Charlemagne” spends an entire chapter explaining this while only mentioning ‘Karl the Great’ maybe 10% of the time! Is this some type of perfidious scholarship? No, because Jeff Sypeck’s writing style is so rich in detail and narrative so mesmerizing to the mind. It’s a strangely effective balancing act.

FACT: Did you know that Charlemagne’s sword “Joyeuse” ended up in Italy in 1495?

I wouldn’t advise purchasing this book if it’s the ONLY book you’ll ever read on Charlemagne, there are far better resources out there for that. However, if you are versed in and looking for supplements to Charlemagne biographies you already have read, then this little gem, “Becoming Charlemagne,” is perfect for any collection.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:

• Sypeck, Jeff. 2006. Becoming Charlemagne: Europe, Baghdad, and the Empires of A.D. 800. New York: HarperCollins.
• ISBN-13: 978-0060797072
• Amazon Link.